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Position Details Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 23070 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Uta McKelvy at 406-994-5572 or uta.mckelvy@montana.edu.Classification Title Working Title Extension Associate Specialist and Arthropod Diagnostician Brief Position Overview Montana State University ( MSU ) seeks an accomplished and collaborative arthropod diagnostician to join the Schutter Diagnostic Lab ( SDL ), the Montana State University Integrated Pest Management ( IPM ) Program, and the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, on the MSU Bozeman campus. This is a non-tenure track, faculty appointment as Associate Extension Specialist with an opportunity for promotion.Faculty Tenure Track No Faculty Rank Non Tenure Track Position Number 4B5016 Department Plant Sciences Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $54,000 – $60,000 annually, salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, possess effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and have the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of the students and the mission of Montana State University.This is a full-time, non-tenure track faculty position to conduct the identification of arthropods from plants (home, garden, landscapes), homes, structures, and public spaces, as well as diagnosing arthropod-associated damage to plants in the absence of arthropods. Clientele includes but is not limited to local Extension offices, homeowners, landowners, agricultural producers, industry consultants, green industry professionals, and state and federal regulators. The successful candidate will provide management recommendations to clients; perform public outreach including presentations, publications, and media appearances; write fact sheets, manuscripts and grants as appropriate; update websites; and assist the Montana State integrated pest management ( IPM ) team to perform public outreach.Duties and Responsibilities
Receive arthropod diagnostic samples; visually identify arthropod samples and prepare timely responses to clientele. Maintain records and databases. Respond to emails, Sample Submission app, and phone inquiries about arthropod identification and insect damage.
Interact frequently with members of the general public, MSU Extension field faculty, state and federal agencies, faculty and staff in the College of Agriculture, pesticide applicators, and various plant production industries in Montana (landscape, nursery, agriculture).
Work collaboratively with members of the SDL team, the MSU Extension IPM team, and other entomology specialists as needed, and participate in periodic group meetings.
Perform public outreach including presentations, publications, and media appearances.
Write fact sheets, MSU Extension Ag and Urban Alerts in a timely manner, manuscripts, and grants as appropriate, contribute to SDL annual reporting and help to maintain relevant program websites.
Report and/or respond to regulated pests and urgent pest situations and concerns as they arise and follow confidentiality guidelines as needed.
Maintain the SDL insect diagnostic lab safety requirements and safety standard operating procedures required for lab accreditation.
Contribute to Extension field faculty training and other outreach activities hosted by the SDL , MSU Extension, and other agencies.
Conduct evaluations of extension and outreach activities.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
M.S. in Entomology or related fields.
Demonstrated experience working with and engaging diverse students and colleagues within and outside the department
Subject area expertise in identification and management of arthropod pests of one or more of the following: agricultural crops, ornamentals, turf, buildings/structures, food storage, nuisance, or related.
Experience with researching and formulating arthropod management recommendations.
Strong organizational skills and evidence of excellent technical writing and editing skills.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Ph.D. degree or significant relevant work experience.
Familiarity with integrated pest management.
Experience coordinating workshops or similar group activities.
Experience writing fact sheets or other outreach publications.
Strong desire to be a part of MSU Extension.
The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will have training in entomology and experience with insect and arachnid identification and pest management, excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with co-workers. They will have an appreciation of diverse constituencies and add intellectual diversity to the department. Dedication to supporting and enhancing Montana State University’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. The successful candidate will also possess a familiarity with multicultural and different socioeconomic audiences, an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity, and a dedication to supporting and enhancing Montana State University’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position requires seasonal travel to on- and off-campus sites, which may require evenings and weekends.
Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points), or have other reliable means of transportation. Must have access to a vehicle to use for work (mileage will be reimbursed), and have minimum vehicle liability insurance. Do NOT send a copy of the driver’s license.This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.The Program The Department The College Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on April 20th, 2023; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.Special Instructions Diversity Statement Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples (https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/dualcareer.html) . Montana State University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana State University makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Office, PO Box 172520, Montana State University, Bozeman MT 59717-2520; 406-994-3651; recruitment@montana.edu .In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/affirmativeactionplan.html .
